This one's for you. While Austin may not be the shining city for exclusive lesbian bars, we have quite the array of things to do and see for all of the womxn-loving womxn. From lesbian-owned barbecue to all the hotel pools you can crash, this is your Lesbian Guide to Austin.
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Photo via Facebook
15601 FM 969
If you succumbed to the quarantine puppy-adopting frenzy, you may be looking to get that little bugger trained. And why not making that training done by a lesbian-owned business? K9 Workingmind is a dog training and behavior expertise company located in Austin that can take your puppy from feisty to cuddly in no time.
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Photo: Austin Motel
Phew! Bunkhouse, founded by Austin's lesbian hospitality queen, has been on a roll through the years opening some iconic hotels around the city. Each one has its own unique vibe, replete with some killer swimming pools, stylish decorations, and cool amenities. Whether you're looking for a little staycation or just a dip in a pool, these four will have you well on your way.
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Photo via Yelp
1920 E. Riverside Drive, Suite A120
If you're heading out on a queer roadtrip (you're welcome), then you might need a place to lodge your little kitty friend. Let us introduce you to Austin Cat Sitters, the premier (and only) lesbian-owned cat-focused pet sitting business around these parts. They even do grooming and home/plant care, so you can return from your safe outing to a clean home AND a clean cat. How relaxing.
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900 Red River Street
Cheer Up Charlies is a lively bar near the heart of the Red River Cultural District, where there's always something fun going on. The interior is bright and colorful and there’s live music aplenty. Cheer Ups’ inclusiveness is embodied by the gender-neutral bathrooms and karaoke drag events. It's also run by one of our favorite business duos in town, Tamara Hoover and Maggie Lea, who work with bar staff to foster a friendly, safe environment.
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Various Locations
We’ve all seen the graffiti, we’ve all posted an Insta there...but do we all know the story behind the traffic-halting Jo’s Coffee Shop? Austin resident Amy Cook sprayed the phrase years ago on the wall of the cafe after an argument with her then-girlfriend. Though the couple is no longer together and Cook now views it as a “love letter to the city,” both Jo’s locations remain LGBTQ+ friendly staples with delicious sustenance to boot! After consecutive late nights on 4th, a caffeine pick-me-up from Jo’s will be an unequivocal necessity.
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Picture via Bookwoman
5501 N Lamar Blvd
As Austin's only feminist bookstore since 1975, Bookwoman has become more and more intersectional through the years, now a one-stop shop for literature on all things LGBTQ+. With a wide selection of LGBTQ+ and womxn authors, owner Susan Post creates a safe space for people of all identities to explore the shelves of inclusive literature.
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Photo via Pride Socks
7801 N Lamar Blvd f33
Cute ass socks are a downright game changer. Everybody knows that. Whether you're planning out your 'fit for this year's pride festival or you're just looking for some cozy knee-highs to lounge around the house in, lesbian-owned Pride Socks has you covered. We recommend one of their cute crop tops to go along with it, but hey, that's just us.
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On Your Smart Phone, Duh
Ava Smartt and Arielle Isaac Norman host this in yo face podcast that "takes a look into the dark third-rail aspects of sex & gender." No topic is off limits here and your ears will thank you. It's up to you whether or not you want to crank up the sound in your car while driving through your uptight neighborhood, but hey, it'd be a public service if you did.
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Photo via la Barbecue
2401 E Cesar Chavez
As a gay women-owned business, la Barbecue truly defies the stereotypes of the "sausage fest" of the BBQ industry. Owners LeAnn Mueller (daughter of Texas BBQ legend Bobby Mueller) and wife Alison Clem have perfected their take on BBQ through the years - not only in taste but in culture, as well. They regularly support LGBTQ+ events around Austin, like the Austin Pride Festival and the AGLIFF. Oh, and the BBQ here is kick-ass, too.
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Did we miss a spot?
